the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest accomplishment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo Buscalgia
If there was one thing I have come to realize during this pandemic is that we are all vulnerable and need each other’s support to survive and thrive.
I will never forget the moment when I heard that one of my close friends was infected with Coronavirus (Covid-19) while working at the hospital in New York. She worked as a ICU nurse for one of the hospital that was hard hit by Coronavirus. We had been friends for a long time since high school and kept in contact while she moved to NY after becoming a registered nurse. She subsequently recovered after experiencing bouts of debilitating symptoms that sidelined her from being back on frontlines for at least a month. I was relieved to see her recover however, same could not be said for many other Americans who were infected. As a healthcare professional, I was horrified of the impact this mysterious virus was inflicting upon cities and communities but immediately wanted to become part of the effort to save those at risk and vulnerable.
I worked at Sunrise Assisted Living as a nurse taking care of the elders with underlying conditions and some with dementia. It was difficult for me to imagine the impact of lockdown had on those residents who had to stay in their rooms without being able to participate in activities and dining and most of all not being able to see their families and loved ones. It was through this difficult time I felt compassionate to offer not only companionship but also care for their health and wellbeing. I also volunteered at the local clinic called Rotacare Bayarea for uninsured and underserved communities every week. Many of us take healthcare for granted in America while there are many undocumented or poor who could not afford health coverage. As an immigrant from South Korea myself, I understand the frustration and difficulty of not having healthcare for those undocumented immigrants. I wanted to reach out and help those in need during my volunteer at rotacare clinics and continue my service even in this period of pandemic.
I believe it is my calling to become a registered nurse to expand my skill set and provide services to those who are suffering from disease and pain. My resolute will to continue the education required to become RN only solidified further through experiences at work and volunteer during Coronavirus Pandemic. I often ask myself how I can make a difference in the lives of those suffering and only pathway I could envision is through working with patients utilizing my specialty at hospitals. I believe there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and we will all overcome and prevail through love and care as Mother Theresa said, “Where there is love there is life.”